LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have continued their pioneering collaboration with Zimbabwe Cricket, welcoming Zimbabwean cricketers Clive Madande and Tashinga Musekiwa into their setup as part of a long-term player development initiative.
The programme, designed to provide exposure to the demands of elite cricket, reflects the Qalandars’ commitment to nurturing emerging talent across borders. Since 2023, Lahore Qalandars and Zimbabwe Cricket have been bound by a 10-year agreement, the only such contract between a PSL franchise and a Test-playing nation. The partnership enables Qalandars’ Player Development Program (PDP) graduates to gain experience in Zimbabwe’s domestic competitions, while Zimbabwean players are integrated into the Qalandars’ high-performance environment, including opportunities around the Pakistan Super League.
This exchange has already produced success stories, with players like Maaz Khan and Salman Mirza benefiting from stints in Zimbabwe, sharpening their skills and adapting to varied conditions.
Clive Madande, a dynamic middle-order batter and wicketkeeper, Madande is known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate under pressure. Having already represented Zimbabwe internationally, he is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
Tashinga Musekiwa, another promising middle-order batter, Musekiwa brings youthful energy and potential, seen as a future asset for Zimbabwean cricket. Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni expressed optimism: “We are delighted to see Clive Madande and Tashinga Musekiwa integrated into the Lahore Qalandars environment. This partnership remains a vital pathway for developing emerging talent at Zimbabwe Cricket, while exposing our players to the demands of the modern game.”
Qalandars’ owner Sameen Rana highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “We are proud to be the only franchise to have signed a long-term contract with a Test-playing nation. This partnership is not just a milestone for Lahore Qalandars but also an honor for the Pakistan Cricket Board. We warmly welcome Clive and Tashinga into the Qalandars family.”
“The initiative underscores the Qalandars’ vision of creating sustainable pathways for young cricketers. By sharing dressing rooms, training facilities, and match environments, players gain invaluable exposure to high-performance standards. For Zimbabwe, it offers a chance to accelerate the development of their next generation, while Pakistan benefits from the diversity and competitiveness such exchanges bring.”
